Hi there,
It seems winter is a busy time for graduate research! Keep reading to see the many opportunities to develop your research and writing skills at workshops designed specifically for graduate research students. Also read on for some great programs designed to help those with English as a second language.
We are excited to launch the 2018 Science Festival program. Science Festival, which is running from Aug 13 – 17, is the university’s celebration of National Science Week. Be sure to check out the program and go along to some fun and interesting events. There will be plenty to see and do all over campus!
Get involved and enjoy!
Read on for this and much, much more.
IN THIS ISSUEUnder the Microscope GR Tip Events Scholarships PhD Internships Top Jobs - Opportunities
- Congratulations
- Science in the Media
Science Festival 2018 is fast approaching
From museum and lab tours, to workshops and public lectures, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Lunchtime Carnival will be kicking off this year’s Festival from 12pm-2pm Monday 13 August on North Court before Tuesday evening’s Keynote event: Power the World, a panel discussion led by former journalist and politician Maxine McKew, which will tackle the big questions about the future of energy production and security.
And don’t forget to join us on Wednesday night for the Battle of the Sciences at Postgrad Student Trivia. Check out the full program of events on the website.
New students – Attend the University’s Graduate Research Orientation
We recommend that new students who have not attended a Graduate Research Orientation day attend the next one. The Graduate Research Orientation provides a welcome to PhD, Professional Doctorate, Masters by Research and MPhil candidates who are new to the University of Melbourne or a graduate research degree. The day offers information on important issues such as thesis writing, graduate research advocacy, candidature administration, maintaining wellbeing and will introduce you to the research training and PD opportunities available at the University of Melbourne. Tues 25 Sept. More info here.
Three Minute Thesis Competition
The Three Minute Thesis Competition is an exciting forum for PhD candidates to showcase their research in an engaging three-minute oration whilst also building on presentation and networking skills. Candidates compete for cash prizes and the chance to represent the University at the Asia-Pacific competition. Registration for six heats scheduled between 17 July and 2 Aug is now open. More info here.
Climate and Energy College Seminar
Central-local government relations and China’s clean energy transition. 12pm, Thur 26 July. More info here.
Climate Change in the Indo-Pacific: Opportunities and Challenges
The Indo-Pacific is widely considered to be among the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change, which coupled with the development needs of many nations across the region suggests an uncertain path ahead. This event will explore questions relating to local, national and regional responses to climate change in the Indo-Pacific. 5.30pm-7.15pm, Mon 30 July. More info here.
Cyber Security Student and Business Speed Networking for Jobs
This is a unique speed-networking event that directly connects students with employers for jobs and internships in cyber security. 3.30pm-6.00pm, Mon 30 July. More info here.
BioProcessing Network Conference 2018
The 12th Annual BioProcessing Network Conference will be held from 30 Oct-1 Nov at Rydges Melbourne. Get your abstracts ready and register early as places are limited. More info here.
AINSE Residential Student Scholarship (RSS)
AINSE Limited is offering top-up Residential Postgraduate Scholarships to high quality students who are enrolled in a PhD at an AINSE Member University. Scholarship includes a $7,500 stipend p.a. and up to $5,000 travel and accommodation allowance per annum. Expressions of Interest close 5pm, Tues 31 July. More info here.
Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation
Seeking leading Victorian scientists and researchers in the life and physical sciences, who have made, or have the potential to make, a significant scientific discovery or technological innovation. If you know someone who fits this descriptions, nominate them for the 2018 Prize valued at $50,000. Nominations close 2pm, Wed 25 July. More info here.
Victoria Fellowships
Are you one of Victoria’s emerging scientists or researchers? Would a grant to support an overseas study mission further your research career or help develop and innovate idea? If so, apply for a 2018 Victoria Fellowship in the life or physical sciences, valued at up to $18,000. Applications close 2pm Wed 25 July. More info here.
The Faculty encourages students who are about to submit, or have recently submitted, their thesis to consider applying for a PhD Internship. Stipends are available for the period of the internship and the Faculty offers the Specialist Certificate in Research Practice for Scientists, which provides a framework to support professional development during the internship and a qualification in recognition of completion. Current internship opportunities are listed below. To register your interest in completing an internship, please complete this form.
Numerous opportunities available to undertake an APR Internship:Research Internship with ANCA - Generation of a Solid Model Cutting ToolResearch Internship with EMS - Statistical Inventory Reconciliation Software (Greenscan)Research Internship with Vintessential LaboratoriesResearch Internship with ARUP - Building PhysicsResearch Internship with Parks Victoria - Benefits Beyond BoundariesResearch Internship with Department of Health & Human Services - HIV Treatment Options
Graduate Research Agronomist – Kalyx - Multiple positions
If you have recent experience (1-3 years) or are still studying and interested in finalising your degree by correspondence, you are also encouraged to apply. This role provides a great opportunity for anyone aspiring for a career in agricultural research. Applications close 15 Aug. More info here.
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Integration Specialist – Department of Defence - Closing Soon
Defence Science & Technology’s (DST) National Security Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division (NSID) are looking for a suitably experienced and motivated candidate with a keen interest in modern software development techniques, technologies and methodologies. Australian Citizens only. Applications close 22 July. More info here.
Research Assistant – Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research. Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
The Al Qasimi Foundation contributes to the Ras Al Khaimah and United Arab Emirate communities through: research endeavours, capacity development initiatives, and community engagement activities. Throughout these three dimensions of our work, we focus on three primary issues, which include education, public health and well-being, and urban development. Bachelors degree in social sciences required. Applications close 26 July. More info here.
Solutions Architect – Barwon Water
The Solutions Architect is responsible for managing Barwon Water’s technical architecture in alignment with industry standards and emerging technology trends. Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents only (inc. New Zealand Citizens). Applications close 26 July. More info here.
Research Assistant (Quantitative Analysis), CPE – The University of Melbourne - Melbourne Graduate School of Education, Casual work (2-3 days availability)
The CPE is a teaching centre and applicants who are willing to learn and develop their knowledge and skills in evaluation practice will be considered. Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents only (inc. New Zealand Citizens). Applications close 31 July. More info here.
Research & Development Assistants – Max Biocare - Multiple positions
The Research & Development Department is looking for suitably qualified assistants to provide research and technical support for their growing portfolio of therapeutic products. A Bachelors degree with Hons. or Masters level in a field of biomedical sciences is required. Applications close on 2 Aug. More info here.
Early Career Researcher Opportunities - Defence Science and Technology (DST)
DST (Defence Science & Technology) Group has opened applications for its Early Career Researcher program, targeted at early stage research scientist/engineers following the completion of a graduate or postdoctoral program in an aligned field of research (e.g. various science and engineering disciplines, psychological and biological/medical sciences). More info here.
Visualise Your Thesis competition 2018
All graduate research students are invited to participate in the University's 2018 Visualise Your Thesis competition. The competition gives GRs the opportunity to: showcase their research to a broad audience; build effective communication and design skills; represent the University in a national showcase; and win some great prizes! For more information and workshop bookings see the website. Submissions accepted from 16 July, Entries close 19 Aug.
GSA Nominated Student Rep for Faculty of Science Committee
A vital part of GSA’s work is ensuring that graduate students have a direct say in how the University operates, and as such, GSA-nominated committee members sit on a range of University committees. The Faculty of Science have asked GSA to nominate a graduate research student to sit on the new Graduate Research Sub-Committee of the Science Graduate Academic Programs Committee. There is information about the role of GSA-nominated committee representatives on their website.
Effective Communication: Sharing Your Research with the World
The ability to present your research ideas clearly and succinctly to a non-specialist audience is now an essential skill for an academic. And to be able to do this in an exciting, engaging and dynamic way could mean the difference between getting the next big grant, industry contract or highly paid job and being left in the 'maybe' pile. More info here.
Academic Communication for ESL / EAL Graduate Researchers
This will help develop your written and spoken academic communication skills, focusing on: writing clearly to communicate your research; sequencing information clearly and cohesively at the section, paragraph and sentence-level; using an authoritative writer's voice to respond to others' research and make strong knowledge claims for your own work; developing your ability to discuss your research in a variety of settings; speaking more confidently with peers, colleagues & supervisors; advancing your peer and self-editing skills. More info here.
Spreading the word: Publishing outside the Academy
Publication in non-academic outlets (including newspapers, magazines, books and, of course, their digital counterparts) will allow you to reach huge audiences across the globe. But perfecting how you approach these publications and the style you use to write for them is crucial for achieving success in the non-academic/commercial world. More info here.
Grad Research Seminars
Approaching Confirmation, 16 Aug, 2pm-4pm.
Disseminating Your Research in Academic Contexts, 11 Sept, 10am-12pm.
More info here.
Academic Skills workshops
Early Tasks and Considerations 8 Aug, 1.30pm–4.30pm
Literature Review 23 Aug, 1.30pm–4.30pm
Crafting the Writing 29 Aug, 1.30pm–4.30pm.
Oral Presentation 5 Sept, 1.00pm–4.00pm
Towards Completion 19 Sept, 1.30pm–4.30pm
More info here.
Library workshops & online training
How to publish strategically - webinar: Tues 17 July, 10.30-11:30am
Getting started with library research - workshop: Tues 24 July, 2.30-4.00pm
Digital Imaging 102: Using images in your thesis - workshop: Fri 27 July, 11.30-12.00pm
More info here.
Melbourne Talks
Melbourne Talks is a 6 week peer-to-peer conversation, networking and culture program for students wishing to develop their English language skills - starting in week 3. Find out more and apply to take part by Sun 29 July. More info here.
‘My Mental Health Matters’ Project
Would you like to share your mental health experiences to support your peers? The Heath Promotion and Counselling and Psychological Services teams at the University of Melbourne are seeking students who are willing to voluntarily share on video how they have managed their mental health and wellbeing during the academic semester. Filming will occur on 1 and 2 Aug. For more information or to express your interest, please email meldrumr@unimelb.edu.au by 25 July.
English Language Workshop Series
Want to develop your English language skills in semester 2? Academic Skills is running English language workshops throughout July and Aug. Workshops run as above from 30 July-31 Aug. More info here.
Apply to be a volunteer tutor!
Join the 200 tutors who dedicate January to fighting disadvantage in education by volunteering with the VCE Summer School! The program will run from 7–18 Jan 2019 and university students of all levels of tutoring experience are encouraged to apply. Applications open until 3 Aug. More info here.
FREE Water Safety Program
The Water Safety Program is continuing into Semester 2 and it's FREE! If you've never learnt to swim or aren't confident in the water this is the program for you. Over the 10 weeks (starting week 2) you will learn water safety, stroke, and survival skills so you can participate safely in water-based social activities. Places are very limited, so register today with Melbourne University Sport.
Faculty of Science Three Minute Thesis Competition
The Faculty of Science hosted a Three Minute Thesis competition on 31 May. The event was an excellent showcase of the great research happening across the Faculty and gave participants the chance to prepare for the University’s central 3MT competition which begins this week.
The 12 participants, all active PhD and MPhil students, were judged on the comprehension and content, engagement and communication of their presentations. The winners were presented their awards by Professor Karen Day, Dean of Science, and Dr Amaqnda Caples, Victoria’s Lead Scientist. Winner: Shazia Ruybal-Pesantez – School of BioSciences (Why is it so difficult to control malaria?)Runner-Up: David Kirszenblat – School of Mathematics and Statistics (Using column generation to solve an aircrew training timetabling problem)People’s Choice: Oliver Thomas –
School of BioSciences (Otolith chemistry: mechanisms of incorporation and application to the study of black bream early life-history)
Thesis Submission
The following students submitted their PhD and MPhil theses in June. Congratulations on the culmination of your hard work!
Alexandra Jaworski
Joanna Durrant (MPhil)
Thomas Garrard
Samuel Boone
Seyed Farshad Motevalizadeh
Bernadette Wittwer
Martin Wainstein
Kirilee Chaplin
Alexander Norton
Jingjing Xu
Tao Xue
First child assisted with oxygen from FREO2 life-saving low pressure oxygen store in Uganda
The FREO2 low pressure oxygen system is live and has assisted a child in Mbarara, Uganda for the first time. Designed by a team from the University of Melbourne, the FREO2 low pressure oxygen store (LPOS) is a low cost, low maintenance and electricity-free oxygen concentrator designed to combat pneumonia in developing countries. More info here.
How commuting is transforming our cities
Associate Professor David Bissell talks about how twice a day, every weekday – millions of us spend time in cars, buses, trains and trams commuting. Although many of us hate it, the experiences of our daily journeys are transforming life in our cities. Read more here.
From gravitational waves to mobile phones: 50 years of physics
Professor David Jamieson celebrates 50 years of the July Lectures in Physics, and looks back at four physics discoveries that have changed the world. Read more here.
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